A delightful twist on a classic Hungarian dish, combining tender cabbage, crispy bacon, and noodles in a creamy, flavorful bake.
Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy.
Cooking the bacon slowly over medium heat ensures it becomes crispy without burning.
Remove the bacon from the skillet, drain on a paper towel, and crumble once cooled.
Letting the bacon cool before crumbling makes it easier to handle.
Add the sugar and salt to the bacon drippings in the skillet and stir to combine.
Stirring the seasonings into the drippings evenly distributes the flavor.
Add the cabbage to the skillet and stir until coated with the seasoned drippings.
Ensure the cabbage is evenly coated for consistent flavor.
Cover the skillet and cook the cabbage over medium heat until tender, about 10 minutes.
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Combine the cooked cabbage, cooked noodles, and crumbled bacon in a casserole dish.
Mix gently to avoid breaking the noodles.
Cover the casserole dish and bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 30 minutes.
Covering the dish helps retain moisture during baking.
Uncover the casserole, spread sour cream over the top, and sprinkle with paprika.
Spread the sour cream evenly for a consistent creamy layer.
Return the casserole to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes.
This step helps set the sour cream and enhances the paprika's aroma.
Serve the casserole warm, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired.
Serving the dish warm ensures the flavors are at their peak.
